“No.”
“And I never will, unless justified.”
“Am I allowed to challenge you for feeblemindedness?” She pulled a face at him. “I can’t imagine it.”
“I have many flaws, and I invite you to correct me as necessary. As for investigations, there are many situations where a woman can poke around better than a man, and some where she might have unique insights.”
She studied him. “You’re serious. But what of the Abbey?”
“Oh, damn the Abbey!” He took her hand. “Can we consign it and all it involves to the devil?”
He’d opened a door to an exciting possibility, but she had to say a regretful, “No.”
“No,” he agreed.
“Perhaps one day. But as matters stand, I should return soon. I dread to think what the dowager’s been up to.”
“Nothing significant. I get a daily report from Worseley.”
She pulled her hand free. “And not a word to me, sir?”
“There’s been nothing to say. I apologize! Again.” He captured her hand and kissed it. “We have been joined in wedlock for only a very few days, my dear Kitty. Neither of us can transform in a moment.”
“No.” She studied him. “Am I? Your dear?”
“Begging for compliments?”
“More than a compliment.”
“You are very dear to me,” he said. “A part of my life I would miss if you were gone.”
That was not quite love, but it was precious. “As, alas, I must be.”
“But not yet. Nothing is awry at the Abbey. Linger. There are more plays to see and more shops to plunder.”
“And always will be.” But he wanted her to stay, and would miss her when she left. “You know I have to return, and that you must stay here until this matter is untangled. You can’t allow Sidmouth or the Regent to turn you from the path.”
“Is that a command?”
“Does it go against your inclinations?”
He kissed her hand again. “No.”
She tightened her fingers on his. “I have to say this, Braydon, even though it can’t change anything. I don’t want to part, and I wish we could live most of the year in London. Together.”
“It would be delightful.”
“Even though I’ll continue to attract my old acquaintances?”
He grimaced, but said, “Even so. As long as they hold the line.”
She was glad to reach the point. “Edison. I think that shot will have warned him off.”
“He’s dangerously besotted.”
“I never realized before. He has to see now that it’s hopeless.”
“He might wish for my early demise.”
